Agenda and minutes

The Committee noted the evacuation and housekeeping procedure.

There were no declarations of interest.

To approve the minutes of the last meeting held on 4 September 2023.

AGREED the minutes of the meeting held on 4 September 2023 be confirmed as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

To receive evidence from Council Officers and a representative from Thrive Teesside.

An update was provided by the link officer for the Scrutiny Review of Cost of Living Response on requested actions from the previous meeting. It was confirmed that there would be an extension of the Tees Active discounted soft play sessions. ‘The Bread and Butter Thing’ initiative had been launched and site visits had been arranged as part of the review. Members were also informed that officers from the Economic Development Team would present evidence at the November Committee meeting. The Cost of Living quarterly newsletter had also been circulated to Members.

The Select Committee received a presentation regarding the Council’s ‘Warm Homes Healthy People’ (WHHP) scheme, from the Head of Environment, Leisure and Green Infrastructure, which included:

• An overview of the WHHP scheme

• Information and data on fuel poverty

• Regional rates of fuel poverty

• What had already been delivered through WHHP

• An update on the WHHP scheme for 2023

The main issues highlighted from the presentation and discussed were as follows:

• WHHP leaflets had been produced for those who did not have access to the internet. Information on the WHHP scheme was also included in Stockton News, and leaflets were distributed to a wide range of community spaces.

• Those who used the WHHP scheme were mainly homeowners, however the Council was committed to assisting anyone in need. The Committee was also informed that Cleveland Fire Brigade provided emergency heating services, including electric heaters and blankets.

• The Council dealt with every request directly through the WHHP scheme and Heating Ventilation Electrical Building Services (HVE Services) colleagues assisted with the installation of replacement boilers, if necessary.

• Responses to requests were dealt with as soon as possible, and usually within twenty-four or forty-eight hours. Replacement boilers were usually installed within a week of a request. The Council ensured that residents were not left in a vulnerable position and Housing Support Officers also carried warm packs on house visits.

The Committee requested the following further information:

• If a breakdown of fuel poverty figures for each ward within the Borough was available.

• If there was any evidence of Stockton residents who had had standing charges waived on their energy bills.

• If private landlords were obliged to service boilers annually, and if information could be provided on the reporting procedure for private tenants with boiler issues.

The Select Committee received evidence from a Council Community Engagement Officer and Bright Minds Big Futures’ (BMBF) Head of Community Safety, which included:

• The work of BMBF in response to the ongoing issues associated with the cost of living. This included work with Tees Credit Union to develop a money management training programme for young people. The programme was available for schools, and youth groups. An online resource was also available. The programme was tailored for different age groups. Two schools have already utilised the programme.

• The Borough’s Member of Youth Parliament had been involved in the campaign for free school meals.

• The Council’s  ...  view the full minutes text for item PEO/14/23

Consideration was given to the Work Programme.

The next meeting would be held on Monday 6 November 2023.

AGREED that the Work Programme be noted.